Eagles ‘Rich Get Richer! Top Winner in NFL Draft First Round

After selecting defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith on Thursday, analysts agree that the Philadelphia Eagles are among the biggest winners of the first round.

The Philadelphia Eagles made waves in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday. 

First, the Eagles traded up one spot with the Chicago Bears to select Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who many had as the best player in the draft before off-field issues came to light. Later on, they selected edge rusher Nolan Smith, also from Georgia, with the No. 30 pick. With these two picks, the Eagles appear to have reloaded their defense that suffered major losses in the offseason.

Obviously, it's impossible to know how these players will actually pan out until they take the field in September. However, most analysts seem to agree that the Eagles were among the biggest winners of the first round. 

"Wow! The rich get richer," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. wrote. "Philly is putting together a defense filled with national champions -- it also picked up linebacker Nakobe Dean last year. This is a great start for the Eagles."

Many noted the Eagles' fascination with Bulldogs defenders, as they also selected Dean and defensive tackle Jordan Davis last year. Considering the Bulldogs' defense has dominated college football recently, though, it makes sense why the Eagles are so high on their players. 

"Maybe the Bulldogs back-to-back title teams were Kirby Smart smoke and mirrors ... but it doesn't seem likely!! I love adding Georgia guys and if this mini-Moneyball approach is correct this Philly defense could be nasty," CBS Sports' Will Brinson wrote.

Along with the Eagles as a whole, general manager Howie Roseman has received praise for his moves on Thursday night. Roseman has already had a good offseason, locking up quarterback Jalen Hurts long-term and retaining key free agents like defensive end Brandon Graham and cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay. He did lose key players such as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker T.J. Edwards, but with these draft moves, that isn't as much of a problem anymore.

"The Eagles will face all the typical challenges that come with being defending NFC champs next season," NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha wrote. "What won't be in question is whether they'll have enough talent to chase another shot at the Super Bowl." 

The Eagles will look to continue their strong draft in the second and third rounds on Friday.

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